Highlighting a divide within the party over how to best move forward with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation process, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski hinted that she could support an FBI probe into sexual assault allegations.

When asked by one reporter on Tuesday whether she would endorse such an investigation, the Alaska Republican said it would “clear up” a lot of the unanswered questions surrounding the nominee’s behavior more than 30 years ago.

Many in GOP leaders have called for both Kavanaugh and the first of his accusers, Christine Blasey Ford, to be allowed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Advertisement - story continues below

Democrats, however, have largely criticized that approach as insufficient, with many endorsing a federal investigation prior to a confirmation vote.

With narrow control of the Senate, Republicans are shoring up support among key voters — including the party’s two female senators.

Earlier this week, authorities arrested dozens of protesters outside the office of Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. The demonstrators were attempting to convince her to vote no on Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Murkowski, the other female GOP senator, answered MSNBC’s Manu Raju’s question on the subject this week, two days ahead of a hearing set for Thursday.

Advertisement - story continues below

I just asked Sen. Lisa Murkowski, key GOP swing vote, if there should be a full FBI investigation into allegations from Kavanaugh’s past. “It would sure clear up all the questions, wouldn’t it?” she said

“It would sure clear up all the questions, wouldn’t it?” Murkowski said when asked if the FBI should launch a full investigation into the allegations.

Do you think Brett Kavanaugh will be confirmed?

YesNo

Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out.

The first claims came to light publicly after a contentious round of questioning by the judiciary committee earlier this month.

Republicans have since questioned the timing, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell repeatedly calling the interruption to the confirmation process a “smear campaign” initiated by the Democratic Party.

According to Fox News reporter Chad Pergram, Murkowski has told those close to her that she looks forward to Thursday’s testimony in her effort to uncover the truth behind the allegations.

Chris Agee is an American journalist with more than 15 years of experience in a variety of newsroom settings. After covering crime and other beats for newspapers and radio stations across the U.S., he served as managing editor at Western Journalism until 2017. He has also been a regular guest and guest host on several syndicated radio programs. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife and son.